Headlines
Obi: I would rather die than fail my supporters
The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr Peter Obi, on Monday in Lagos said that he would rather die than fail his supporters.
Obi also said that the right leadership would eliminate most of Nigeria’s challenges by turning the country from consumption to production.
Obi spoke at the Editors Forum, an initiative of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).
The former Governor of Anambra State said that the nation was going through many challenges mainly because it was a consuming instead of a producing country.
According to him, if the nation is productive, three-quarters of its challenges can be solved.
He listed the challenges to include unemployment, poverty, criminality and insecurity.
“We cannot have that number of people living in poverty and not have criminality, banditry and so on.
“We must remove sharing formula and replace it with the production formula,” he said.
He said that Nigeria had fertile lands and the population to do well in agriculture.
“The hope of this country is the vast uncultivated land, not that oil we are seeing.
“My commitment is to put Nigeria into production.
“It is not acceptable that we cannot feed ourselves.
“We must get the country to work; all it requires is the leadership that understands and can drive the process. I can do that, ” he said.
On his campaign funding, Obi said that contrary to insinuations, no one else was funding the campaign.
He also said that he did not give money to anyone to step down for him or walk with him.
“I cannot be talking about being transparent about managing public money without starting with my campaign.
“I do not pay people to work with me. Nobody will say he is funding Peter Obi’s campaign. I am funding it myself.
“All those things happening everywhere are just that people believe in our cause and give whatever it is from their little resources.
“I am encouraged, and I assure them that they are doing it for the right cause and I will never disappoint them,” he said.
On Nigeria’s debt profile, Obi said that there was nothing wrong in borrowing.
“Every nation borrows, individual businesses borrow all over the world.
“What is important is what we use the borrowed money to do. If you borrow for consumption, that is where we have a problem.”
He said that borrowed money should be invested well to increase the country’s gross domestic product and per capita income.
“I won’t say I will not borrow but I will only borrow for investment and I will explain to Nigerians the need for the borrowing,” he added.
Promising to reduce the nation’s debt burden, Obi pledged to eliminate all waste and rascality, if elected.
On communication, Obi pledged to regularly interface with Nigerians and provide information on the running of his government, if elected.
He described communication as vital for good governance.
He called on Nigerians to elect their next president based on character, integrity competence, capacity and commitment.
He said that there was a need to prioritise the rule of law, law and order, education development and other intangible assets to drive investors.
On power supply, the LP candidate said that adequate power generation and distribution were not rocket science and were achievable.
“We will support those generating power and do everything possible on distribution.
“I can tell you that within years, we will move from where we are, to 20,000 megawatts, because we need it for production,” he said.
On technology, Obi said that, if elected, his administration would use science and technology to improve production, security, education and job creation.
“Everything is driven by technology.”
On women’s involvement in governance, Obi said: “We are going to involve women and youths if I have the opportunity to serve because that 50 per cent of our population must come into productive use.”
On predictions about the outcomes of the 2023 Presidential Election, Obi said that only God knew who would win the election.
READ ALSO: PDP crisis: Wike, allies meet in Lagos, form Integrity Group
On his supporters, Obi said that he did know many of them, but vowed not to disappoint them.
“I am determined not to fail them. I would rather die than fail them. I am going to serve them,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the NGE, Mr Mustapha Isah, said that the forum was to provide an opportunity for presidential candidates and other key players in the 2023 General Elections to tell Nigerians their plans.
Isah said that the forum was in line with NGE’s resolve to provide adequate information to the members of the electorate to enable them to make informed choices during the elections.
He added that it was aimed at promoting issue-based campaigns.
In Obi’s entourage were Mr Akin Osuntokun, South West Coordinator of the LP Presidential Campaign; Ms Aisha Yesufu, an activist; and Ms Ndi Kato, spokesperson for the Obi/Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Department of State Services (DSS) have resolved to strengthen collaboration.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Spokesperson disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Oyewale said that the collaboration would be, particularly, in the area of Intelligence to tackle the menace of economic and financial crimes and corruption.
According to him, the two agencies made the resolution, when Paul Akugbo, new Director of Base Command Liaison, Lagos paid a courtesy visit to Michael Wetkas, Acting Director of Lagos Directorate of the EFCC.
Meanwhile, Akugbo described the visit as most necessary towards strengthening the already existing collaboration between the DSS and the EFCC.
“It is, indeed, a thing of honour to be among you today.
“As you know, the Base Command is not the Lagos Command; rather, it is the national headquarters annex located in Lagos,” he said.
He commended the EFCC for its unrelenting efforts to stamp out corruption in Nigerian society.
Responding, Wetkas expressed delight in receiving Akugbo and his team, adding that the DSS and the EFCC had always worked together.
“On several occasions, we have written letters to you for certain people on our watch list and you have intercepted them and handed them over to us. We thank you for this.
“The success of our various services is our joint success. Lagos is a challenging place and we are here to support in any way we can,” he said.
He said that the visit was a demonstration that the DSS was ready to work and partner with the EFCC to achieve overall success for Nigeria.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has threatened to kick out non-performing contractors executing projects in the FCT.
Wike made the threat in Abuja on Friday, after inspecting the ongoing construction of the 15-kilometre left-wing service lane of the Outer Southern Expressway, from Ring Road 1 to Wasa.
The threat followed what the minister described as a “disappointing performance” of CGC Nigeria Ltd executing the project, saying “it is barely 50 per cent as against CGC’s 75 per cent claim.
“As at last year, you promised you would finish the project by December 2024 or at most January 2025, now you have extended it to May.
“With what I am seeing, it may not be possible till eight or nine months from now.
“You should be fair to us. If we have an agreement, let’s keep to that agreement and we are paying. Why should we see what we are seeing now? He asked.
The minister said that the FCT Administration had paid over 80 per cent of the contract sum, “but look at what they have done. This is very bad. I am not encouraged.
“We have paid the contractor more than 80 per cent of this contract and the job, as far as I am concerned, is not up to 50 per cent. I am not going to accept this.”
On what he would do to non-performing contractors, Wike said: “We don’t have any relationship with non-performing contractors. Everybody knows our position that if you don’t perform, we kick you out.
“There is no sentiment about it. Whether you are an indigenous contractor; whether you are a foreign contractor; we don’t care. All we are concerned about is the work.
“If you do the work; we go along with you, if you don’t do the work; we kick you out and we will make you pay for it; there must be sanctions.
“You can’t just collect our money, and we just say go, when you do not complete our project, no.
“Before we kick you out, we will make you pay for it. That is our position.”
He explained that his attention was drawn to the project when he inspected the Apo to Karshi road on Thursday and passed through Wasa on his way back.
He explained that the inspection was to see things for himself.
“There was no equipment here yesterday when I passed through the road.
“I believe it is because I said I was coming here today that you mobilised equipment. These are things I will not accept.
“CGC is one of the most respected construction companies in the country, but as far as this road is concerned, I am not happy,” he groaned.
The minister directed the Director of Engineering Services, Federal Capital Development Authority to sit with the contractor, agree on a work plan, and commit to a completion timeline.
Wike said that the work plan described the road as important considering the huge economic activities taking place in the area.
He directed that the project delivery work plan should be on his table on Monday, pointing out that the road, if completed, would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Mr Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General Elections, has described the Founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, as an exceptional servant of God.
Obi said this in his congratulatory message to Oyedepo who attained age 70 on Friday.
The message was posted on Obi’s X handle by his media aide, Mr Ibrahim Umar.
The former Anambra State governor said that Oyedepo had remained a remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplified the true purpose of God’s creation.
“Your life continues to be a source of blessing, reflecting dedication, tireless work and commitment to God’s mission.
“Through your ministry, countless lives have been touched, embodying faith, hope and love.
“Outstanding institutions such as Living Faith Church, Covenant University and Kingdom Heritage Model School stand as lasting testimonies to your pursuit of excellence.
“Today, we honour your enduring legacy, your compassionate outreach and your immense contribution to humanity,” Obi said.
He prayed to God to strengthen, guide and bless the cleric more.
“Thank you for being a beacon of God’s grace. Your remarkable journey will inspire generations to embrace faith, integrity and purposeful living.
“May your continued intervention through prayer in the affairs of our country help us to find direction for a new Nigeria,” Obi said.
EFCC, DSS Strengthen Collaboration to Tackle Corruption
FCT Minister threatens to kick out non-performing contractors
Obi celebrates Oyedepo at 70, describes him as exceptional servant of God
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Business3 years ago
Facebook, Instagram Temporarily Allow Posts on Ukraine War Calling for Violence Against Invading Russians or Putin’s Death
-
Headlines2 years ago
Nigeria, Other West African Countries Facing Worst Food Crisis in 10 Years, Aid Groups Say
-
Foreign2 years ago
New York Consulate installs machines for 10-year passport
-
Technology1 week agoZero Trust Architecture in a Remote World: Securing the New Normal
-
Entertainment2 years agoPhyna emerges winner of Big Brother Naija Season 7
-
Business6 months agoWe generated N30.2 bn revenue in three months – Kano NCS Comptroller
-
Headlines3 months agoPhilippines’ Vice President Sara Duterte resigns from Cabinet
-
world5 months agoIran, China agree on closer military cooperation
